EpitoGen Technology and AiBiologics machine learning software (EpitopePredikt) were employed to develop a set of unique, highly sensitive SARS-Cov-2 ELISA assays. EpitopePredikt was used to scan SARS-CoV-2 antigen and identify immunodominant epitopes. The epitopes were then expressed in combination using EpitoGen Technology and validated for detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in collaboration with researchers from the University of Aberdeen and the NHS (Grampian). The project was funded by Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office.

Detection and characterisation of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies is crucial to accurately determining antibody responses across the population which demonstrates a substantial degree of heterogeneity in the humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This information is crucial to ongoing design of diagnostics and vaccines particularly with respect to emerging variant forms of SARS-CoV-2.

Using EpitoGen Technology, we created a variety of ELISA-based tests which can detect a population level spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies specific to the spike, nucleocapsid and other SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins (Membrane, ORF3a, ORF7a). The high sensitivity of the assay is ideally suited to the study of immune response to both natural infection and vaccination for SARS-CoV-2.

We have produced 4 EpitoGen assays-the first of their kind:

EpitoGen Universal

– Detection of antibody response to 15 epitopes from five SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins including corresponding mutants (45 prevalent mutations);

EpitoGen Differential

– To differentiate antibody response from vaccination-induced and infection-induced protection (45 prevalent mutations);

EpitoGen Immunity

– Evaluation of antibody response following vaccination or natural infection, and assess the antibody response against the original and mutant SARS-CoV-2 (45 prevalent mutations)

EpitoGen Spike Mutant

– Detection of antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 original strain and emerging mutants (16 prevalent mutations in the spike protein) to evaluate the potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 mutants on vaccine performance and immunity

Benefits of the SARS-CoV-2 EpitoGen Assays include:

  • 95-100% sensitivity and 99% specificity
  • Differentiation between vaccination-induced and infection-induced protection
  • Specific detection of SARS-CoV-2 mutants
  • Integration into existing ELISA assay protocols
  • Highly stable components, easy to ship and store